I just worked with a future Tony® Award winner.
From the first day of rehearsal, she opened her mouth to sing and I was certain that we would one day see her win the coveted award. But when I mentioned that to one of the other cast members, he actually said to me, “But what about you? I think you’re a future #TonyAward winner, too.”
I was stunned (and totally flattered), but stunned. And in that moment, I had a major realization.
Not only was I no longer talking about winning a Tony® Award, I had actually FORGOTTEN that was ever a goal. Yet, when I moved to New York, my big mission was to be a “moving force in Broadway musical theater.” That included winning a Tony® Award. Not only did I forget that I had that dream, I had completely taken myself out of that “conversation.”
What’s the quickest way to kill a dream?
Stop talking about it.
SAYING you want to win a Tony® Award is as important as taking the actions it takes to win one.
So, here’s what happened after that… I took a big look at my career and realized I wasn’t playing up to the level of someone who would win a Tony® Award. I had become comfortable in the place I was at in my career. But when I really thought about it, I wasn’t actually happy where I was. I knew I had to up my game.
And I did.
Long story short, after that, I did go on to originate a principal role in a Broadway show. I received a BroadwayWorld Nomination for Best Actress, and I’ve done a good handful of Broadway shows and major national tours since then.
No, I haven’t won a Tony® Award… YET… but I’m approaching my career with the intent of doing the quality of work that a Tony Award winner would do. That makes all the difference!
Here are six ways to keep your Tony® dreams or ANY dream alive:
1. Talk about it. It may feel like bragging to you, but keeping the “conversation” of your dream alive is crucial. Share it with your closest friends and family and even your agent. He/she should know you’ve got that dream too, whether it’s to win an Academy Award, star in a sitcom, or be on Broadway. Speak it to begin the manifestation. #speakyourdreams
2. Keep it in front of you. If you don’t already have one, you should keep a list of your big goals and pursuits in your wallet or purse, on your desktop or bathroom mirror, or any other place you look all the time. I keep a photo of a Tony® Award in my audition book to remind myself to prepare like a winner, sing like a winner and connect like a winner. #beawinner
3. Take specific and measured steps toward your goals every single day. Every major goal in your life has trillions of steps you can do each day. Don’t let a day go by without doing something toward your goals. Today, I’m writing this article to remind myself again of my own dreams for my acting career. #takedailyaction
4. Model others. Find others who have accomplished what YOU want to accomplish, and model yourselves after them. This does NOT mean you are trying to BE them. It simply means learn from the best! If Broadway is your goal, find people who have already done it and ask how they did it. Then, take similar steps adjusted to your own style. #learnfromthebest
5. Surround yourself with a great team. Get yourself the best vocal coach, the best acting coach, the best agent, and the best accountability partner. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and your vision. Wanna take your career to the next level? Join The Actor’s Roadmap to keep you moving forward every single day! #GoTeam
6. Don’t compare yourself to others. In the pursuit of your dreams, don’t forget to have fun, laugh, and know that, no matter what, YOUR PATH IS YOUR OWN. Do YOU the best way you can, and the rest will fall into place. Be happy for others when they succeed, and be humble when you do. There are plenty of roles out there for everyone in their own time. Stay on your path, and you will succeed. #yourownpath
Bonus #7: Enjoy the journey. As you pursue your career and your life with gusto, it is most important that you enjoy the journey and do not wait to enjoy it until you get to something you covet. Embrace the journey to get there, and the success will come from your daily joy! #embracethejourney
What steps will you take today to “speak into your dream?” Write your comments below.
Leslie Becker is an award-winning actress, writer and creator of The Organized Actor® who is passionate about inspiring, entertaining and educating others. Sign up below for more tips for workin’ your acting career and your life. www.OrganizedActor.com
